Australia Open 2015: Serena Williams predicts Madison Keys can be future world No.1

WORLD No.1 Serena Williams predicted young compatriot Madison Keys will one day ascend her throne.

Williams was effusive in her praise of the 19-year-old who she said had arrived just in time to bolster the women’s game in the US.
“I think she can be the best in the world. The way she played today, she can definitely be No.1,’’ the top seed said.
“She has the desire to be the best and that’s what it takes.
“I was impressed by her ability to stay in the match and she didn’t let up until the end. And that’s a great quality to have.
“My ability to serve big when I had to, that helped me a lot.’’
Keys bemoaned not getting more chances on the Williams serve after she finally succumbed on the eighth match point.
“The way she played, it was pretty much impossible for me to break her serve,’’ the teenager said.
Keys was most satisfied with how she handled the big occasion, her first grand slam semi-final against such an experienced opponent.
“You can get overwhelmed by Serena being on the other side of the net. I never really had the feeling of control with every ball. She’s one of the few players who’s like that,’’ she said.
“This has definitely showed to me, more than anyone else, that I can play with the top players. To push the world No.1 in a close match.
“It will be an inspiration every time I’m on the practice court. The way I handled the moment is what I’m most happy about because it was a little overwhelming at times.’’
Keys had the left thigh heavily bandaged almost to the knee, but she shrugged off the slight muscle strain.
“It’s OK. It’s not perfect, but I had plenty of tape and medication. No excuses, I did my best,’’ she said.